President Jim Walker, his wife
Rosalyn and son Howard welcomed a good turnout of members, wives and friends to
the Rotary Club's Burns' Supper in Mansfield House Hotel last Thursday
night. He gave a special welcome to Past President John Robson and his
daughter Joyce Wilson a Past President of Whitehaven Castle Rotary Club. A
lively start was ensured by Howard Walker piping-in the haggis after which it
was addressed in a traditional and vigorous manner by Gus Neilson. John
Thorburn gave the Selkirk Grace and, after the customary fayre of haggis,
neeps and tatties, the Supper got underway arranged and masterfully compered by
Past President Bobby Cairns.
The singers, Joyce Tinlin and Michael
Aitken gave renditions of the highest quality of Burns' favourites accompanied
by Rosalyn on keyboard. Burns' memory was toasted in a memorable and
thought-provoking manner by Kenny Spiers, in his world-debut, who had done a
deep research of Rotary and drew comparisons between Burns and the Rotary
Ideal in world-wide empathy for the fellow man but said Rotary did not shout
loud enough about its achievements such as the eradication of polio world-wide
and Xmas boxes collected and sent off to others less fortunate
abroad.
Michael was at his very best in the tale
of Tam's mare and his brushes with the Alloway witches and had the room reliving
his every step. Howard displayed his virtuosity on the small pipes and
father Jim gave the final toast after Ron Smith had given a comprehensive vote
of thanks congratulating the hotel, speakers and singers for an excellent supper
after which the evening closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne by the
company.